WARREN Gallery's new home boosts art visibility

The gallery hopes to revive the Warren City Schools Art Show.
By NANCILYNN GATTA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Trumbull Art Gallery is alive and well. It's just moving to a new location.
Many residents thought the long-standing gallery had closed when its former residence was sold last year.
But as of Sunday, area artists will have a new place to exhibit their work. TAG is relocating from Mahoning Avenue to 196-198 E. Market St. in downtown Warren. The opening reception is from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
"We have this wonderful space. The walls are just perfect for the gallery," said Judy Waid, Trumbull Area Artists representative on the TAG board of directors. "It has good light in the daytime. Wonderful lighting for the evening."
Trumbull Area Artists was started by Karen Fry, a former guidance counselor who wanted to return to her love of visual arts after she retired. She didn't know where to find information concerning local art classes and exhibits, so she created a newsletter that evolved into the 120-member TAA.
"My job, I felt, was to pull the artists together so that there was a communication body that worked together. The artists who belong are willing to share. Helping other artists and communicating with other artists makes a stronger artist community," Fry said.
The first show at the remodeled space will feature members of TAA. Fry, Waid and board president Beth Ensign will also exhibit pieces. Approximately one-third of TAA's members will have pieces in the show.
Enthusiastic
Area artists and TAG board members are enthusiastic about the downtown site.
"I think it's a big advantage moving to the new location," said John Noga, a TAG board member. "Gillmer House was substantial, but it was a lot to take care of. This is a more manageable space. This space has great frontage. When it's lit up and you drive past, it certainly makes an impact."
The organization remains committed to encouraging the artists of tomorrow. It will continue to provide the community with educational opportunities. The space will have classrooms and a permanent youth gallery.
TAG also hopes to once again present the Warren City Schools Art Show, a program that was established by board member Bill Mullane approximately 20 years ago.
Gift shop
The new location will also provide artists with the opportunity to sell their work.
"TAG's going to be having a gift shop again," Ensign said. "It will be named the Frannie Burns Gift Shop in honor of Mrs. Burns. She was very instrumental in TAG. She was a wonderful volunteer. She did everything from sweeping the floors to hanging shows. She passed away a few years ago."
Because there are storefronts available next to the relocated gallery, board members envision more fine arts groups moving to the area.
As Noga stated, "A lot of communities the size of Warren, the size of Youngstown, have seen redevelopment in their downtown areas because of arts organizations."